Last month I shared some great weekend destinations in Marlborough and as promised I will continue to look at different regions throughout the country during the year. If you travel approximately 115km west from Blenheim, you will find yourself in another region known for its beauty and versatility as a travel destination. Nelson has it all and I am more than excited to share a couple of great weekend destinations in the region and hopefully visit a few more this autumn. "The Abel Tasman National Park is an easily-accessible coastal paradise. You can choose to explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with tour operators aplenty offering cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, helitours and sailing catamarans. Whilst summer is a popular time to visit, locals believe that the shoulder seasons are actually the best time to explore the park, as crisp mornings, calm waters and quiet beaches allow you to truly enjoy the peace and serenity. Those who crave home comforts can stay in luxurious lodges, but sleeping under the stars is regarded as the ultimate way to experience the spirit of the Abel Tasman." "A compact area of mountain ranges separated by forested valleys, the Nelson Lakes National Park is home to the beginning of the awe-inspiring Southern Alps. Promising everything from easy lakeside walking tracks to challenging alpine hikes, this national park has something on offer for everyone. The beautiful alpine lakes of Rotoroa and Rotoiti form the heart of this 102,000 hectare national park. Both are surrounded by steep mountains and fringed to the shore by native honeydew beech forests, which feed a variety of tuneful nectar-eating native birds. In Maori mythology the lakes were created by the great chief Rakaihaitu digging holes with his ko (digging stick). One hole became Lake Rotoroa (large waters) and the other became Lake Rotoiti (small waters). The nearby village of St Arnaud is a comfortable, well-equipped base for visitors." "Just 30 minutes from Nelson City, the charming seaside villages of Mapua & Ruby Coast are increasingly becoming favourite holiday spots for tourists and locals alike.
With a lively cluster of restaurants, art galleries, wine bars and a craft brewery, Mapua is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a long weekend away. Hire a bike and cycle Tasman's Great Taste Trail, which stretches from central Nelson through to Motueka. Just offshore, Rabbit Island offers a treat for mountain bikers with a network of trails just waiting to be explored. A little ferry departs Mapua Wharf regularly for the Island, with room for passengers and their bikes." Comments are closed.
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AuthorDeluxe RV Group Archives
October 2024
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